How long after starting the car can the heater be turned on?

2 Answers
JustinLynn
09/06/25 8:29am
Generally, you can turn on the heater 2 to 3 minutes after starting the car. First, start the engine to warm it up. When the engine temperature gauge reaches the middle position, turn on the heater and set the air circulation to external circulation to expel the cold air from the car. After waiting for 2 to 3 minutes, switch the air circulation to internal circulation. The method for turning on the car heater in winter is: 1. After starting the car, wait about 8 to 15 minutes for the water temperature to reach the normal level before turning on the heater. 2. Adjust the air conditioning circulation mode to internal circulation. 3. Switch to the heating mode. 4. Do not turn on the air conditioning. 5. Adjust the air conditioning to a suitable setting and direct the airflow as needed.
Was this review help?
2
4
Share
ArcherFitz
09/18/25 8:05am
My experience with daily commuting by car is that it's reasonable to wait two or three minutes after starting the engine before turning on the heater. When the car first starts, the engine is still cold, and the heating system relies on it to warm the air. If the coolant temperature is too low, the air blown out will be cold and won't provide any warmth. This is especially true in winter when the car is parked outside. After starting, idling for a minute or two allows the engine to warm up slightly, and the temperature gauge begins to rise. At this point, turning on the heater will be comfortable. The heater doesn't consume extra fuel because it uses waste heat from the engine, unlike the air conditioning which engages the compressor. Turning it on early can also help defog the windshield, improving safety. Over time, drivers learn these details—just be patient and wait a bit. Waiting longer, say four or five minutes, ensures more stable temperatures, quicker cabin warming, and less hassle. In general, once the dashboard coolant temperature gauge shows normal levels, it's simple and effective to turn on the heater.
Was this review help?
18
4
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

What Tools Are Needed to Change a Tire?

Tools required for changing a car tire include: a small jack, a socket wrench for loosening lug nuts, a locking wheel nut remover, a lug nut cap remover, and a warning triangle. To ensure safety, the vehicle needing a tire change must be parked on the roadside or emergency lane on a flat surface; turn off the engine, engage the handbrake, and activate the hazard lights, then place the warning triangle behind the vehicle (about 100 meters on highways). Below is relevant information about tires: Tire lifespan: The wear lifespan of a tire is 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. If the tire hasn't reached the wear limit or mileage but has been in use for 5 years or shows extensive sidewall cracking, it should be replaced. Tire material: The main component of a tire is rubber. The maximum storage and anti-aging period for rubber, from natural latex to EPDM and nitrile, does not exceed 10 years, with the average service life of various rubber products in use being 3 to 5 years.
13
3
Share

Can I still participate in the license plate lottery if I already own a green-plate car in Hangzhou?

In Hangzhou, you can still participate in the license plate lottery if you own a green-plate car, but you need to apply for an indicator. According to the relevant policies on new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China, local governments are not allowed to restrict the purchase of NEVs. Therefore, if you already own a blue-plate traditional fuel vehicle in Hangzhou, you can apply for one or more green-plate NEVs. Here is more detailed information: Content 1: Currently, passenger vehicle license plates in China are divided into green plates and blue plates. Blue plates are for traditional fuel vehicles, while green plates are for NEVs and serve as their identifier. Green plates starting with 'AD' indicate pure electric vehicles, and those starting with 'AF' indicate plug-in hybrid vehicles (including range-extended electric vehicles). Content 2: If you already own a blue-plate or green-plate vehicle, you are no longer eligible for the lottery. Additionally, in Beijing, when applying for an NEV purchase indicator, you can only obtain a pure electric vehicle plate starting with 'Jing AD.' For plug-in hybrid NEVs starting with 'Jing AF,' you need a traditional fuel vehicle indicator (blue plate) to purchase them.
15
4
Share

Can You Wear Slippers While Riding a Motorcycle?

You cannot wear slippers while riding a motorcycle. Motorcycles are classified as motor vehicles, and according to the relevant regulations in the Road Traffic Safety Law, it is prohibited to drive a motor vehicle while wearing slippers. Motor vehicle drivers must comply with the provisions of road traffic safety laws and regulations, ensuring safe and civilized driving in accordance with operational standards. Below are some common traffic violations: Running a red light: This is the most common traffic violation. Since the introduction of the new traffic regulations, running a red light results in a 6-point deduction. Driving without a license: If a motor vehicle driver continues to drive while their license is suspended, they will face a fine and up to 15 days of detention. Driving without a valid license or after license revocation will result in 15 days of detention and a fine. Overloading or overcrowding: For passenger vehicles exceeding the rated capacity by less than 20% or freight vehicles exceeding the rated load by less than 30%, a fine will be imposed. Exceeding these limits will result in heavier fines. Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol will lead to a 3-month suspension of the driver's license and a fine. Driving a commercial vehicle under the influence will also result in a 3-month suspension and a fine. Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit by more than 50% will result in a fine and revocation of the driver's license.
13
4
Share

What are the requirements for the hill start in Subject 2 of the driving test?

Subject 2 hill start requirements include stopping within 50 centimeters of the designated parking line, ensuring the vehicle rolls back less than 30 centimeters, and aligning the front bumper with the solid yellow line. Below is a detailed introduction to the hill start in the driving test: Overview: The hill start is part of the on-site test for Subject 2 of the driving license examination, which involves starting a vehicle parked on a steep slope. It is one of the test items in Subject 2. Requirements: After the vehicle stops, if the front bumper of the car or the front axle of the motorcycle is not aligned with the pole line and exceeds 50 centimeters forward or backward, it is considered a pass. If the deviation is within 50 centimeters, 10 points will be deducted.
18
4
Share

How Long Does It Take for a New Car to Be Free of Formaldehyde?

Generally speaking, the interior environment of a car is relatively enclosed, making it difficult for formaldehyde to dissipate. The volatilization period of formaldehyde ranges from three to fifteen years. Within the first six months of purchasing a new car, it is advisable to frequently expose the car to direct sunlight with the windows open for ventilation. This can accelerate the release of formaldehyde from the car, significantly reducing its concentration. Below are more detailed measures: Place bamboo charcoal bags in the car: The bamboo charcoal in these bags has a porous structure with strong adsorption capabilities, effectively absorbing harmful gases such as formaldehyde, benzene, and sulfur dioxide inside the car while releasing natural minerals. Additionally, bamboo charcoal bags have excellent moisture absorption properties, helping to dehumidify, deodorize, and prevent mold in the car. Purchase and use a car air purifier: A car air purifier can filter the air inside the car, not only effectively removing formaldehyde but also significantly reducing pollutants such as PM2.5, TVOC, odors, bacteria, and viruses, thereby creating a healthier in-car environment. Visit a professional car detailing shop for a photocatalytic coating: Similar to common air fresheners, photocatalysts are liquid-based, primarily composed of titanium dioxide. Upon absorbing ultraviolet light from sunlight or artificial lighting, they react to produce substances that can break down organic compounds and their nutrients, decomposing harmful substances in the air like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene into harmless water and carbon dioxide. This process purifies the air, effectively preventing mold, eliminating odors, and providing antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits.
17
2
Share

Can I Retake Subject 4 on the Spot?

There are two chances for Subject 4 on the spot. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," not only Subject 4 but all subject exams have two opportunities. After the first attempt, if you fail, there is one retake opportunity. If you still fail the retake, the exam session ends, and the candidate needs to reschedule the exam. Below is a related introduction to the subject exam content: Subject 1: Road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge exam (Subject 1) is a written test conducted on a computer, with a full score of 100, and a passing score of 90 or above (including 90). Subject 2: Field driving skills exam (Subject 2) is conducted in a real vehicle on-site, with only pass or fail outcomes. The five mandatory test items, conducted in sequence, include reversing into a garage, parallel parking, S-curve driving, right-angle turning, and starting and stopping on a slope. The full score is 100, with a passing score of 80 or above (including 80). Subject 3: Road driving skills exam (Subject 3) is conducted on a road or simulated site in a real vehicle, with a full score of 100. The passing scores are 90 or above for large buses, 80 or above for large trucks, and 70 or above for other vehicle types. Subject 4: Safety and civilized driving-related knowledge (Subject 4) is a written test with a full score of 100, and a passing score of 90 or above (including 90).
20
4
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.